Yerzhomartova Ayazhan
My visit to Yaeyama Commercial High School during the Okinawa field trip was an unforgettable experience filled with two ways of cultural exchanges and warm hospitality.
The exchange began with our self-introductions in front of the Okinawan students, an important moment that allowed us to share a bit about ourselves while also getting a sense of their curiosity and openness. This was followed by casual conversations where we got to know each other on a deeper level. Through these interactions, we discovered not just our cultural differences but also the many shared interests and aspirations we had with the students of Yaeyama Commercial High School.
Before diving into the events planned for the day, we were touched by the warm reception from the students. Many of them shared their strong connection to Okinawa, expressing their desire to remain in the region and contribute to its growth. Truth to be told, it struck me deeply because, in many places, people are often encouraged to leave their hometowns in search of so-called “success” elsewhere. Whenever we think of moving to a big city or a different country, it’s often driven by an ambition to achieve something we define as success. Yet, here were students who wholeheartedly wanted to return to their hometown again and again, dedicating themselves to their community. Such epiphany hit me hard.
Another memorable moment was our participation in a traditional dance. From my understanding, the dance displayed celebration of the harvest season. Dancing alongside the students, we did our best to match their movements, but let’s be honest our rhythm was more about out excitement than precision. The traditional dance, passed down through generations, carried a rich sense of history and celebration, while we carried an unmistakable sense of awkwardness. Despite our less-than-perfect execution, the energy of the dance, combined with the laughter and encouragement from our hosts, created an atmosphere of comfort, joy, and a fair share of hilarious missteps. It was a perfect reminder that cultural exchange isn’t about perfection it’s about participation, shared experiences, and embracing the occasional two left feet.
Through out Okinawa trip, the visit to Yaeyama Commercial High School was not just an educational experienceit was a genuine connection between people from different backgrounds and learning from each other.
